A facial treatment with Sculptra: how exactly does it work and what is the effect? Ludy Holst, KNMG cosmetic doctor and founder of the Van Lennep Clinic, explains it in detail using 10 questions.
“Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating filler consisting of polylactic acid. The fabric is 100% biodegradable and hypoallergenic. The treatment is FDA approved and has been used worldwide since 1999. I myself have been working with Sculptra for over 10 years.”
“Traditional fillers - usually consisting of hyaluronic acid - are intended to fill and restore volume. Hyaluronic acid is a gel produced by the body that is broken down little by little. Sculptra works very differently, it just builds up. The polylactic acid is injected much deeper and helps stimulate our own collagen production, reduce sagging and regain our V-shape. As a result, subcutaneous wrinkles and facial lines can be reduced for a long time. Sculptra helps to restore the underlying structure of the skin. So it's really a different treatment.”
“Polylactic acid has a regenerative effect. Once injected deep into the skin, the body absorbs the fluid. During the 4 weeks to 3 months that follow, the filler crystals stimulate collagen production. This in turn leads to a stronger structure and more support. The skin naturally becomes fuller, more elastic and feels firmer.”
“First of all, it is important that the doctor carefully analyses where the face could use some reinforcement and padding. In those areas, the Sculptra is injected into the deeper layer of skin with a thin needle or cannula. The liquid contains anaesthesia, but the doctor may also administer a local anaesthetic or apply anaesthetic cream. It's not really painful. In areas where it is dangerous to work with a needle, a cannula is used; a long needle, with a blunt tip. The thin layer of polylactic acid that is left behind is then massaged and spread by hand on the outside.
Each treatment takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Usually 2 to 3 treatments are required. This depends on the number of areas to be treated. You can treat part or all of the face with Sculptra. Slight swelling is normal in the first hours after treatment, but you can resume your daily activities immediately.”
“Yes, no matter how old you are, you can always stimulate your natural collagen production. Someone who is 60 will only need more Sculptra than someone who is 25.”
“No, that's only possible if you inject a lot of Sculptra - think 10 bottles - at once. You start carefully with 1 bottle and see what that does to someone. After a month, you'll see where and how much someone can still use. Too much doesn't actually happen in practice. The fact that Sculptra does not give immediate results is one reason why not every doctor wants to work with it. With a hyaluronic acid filler, you can immediately see the effect.”
“Sculptra is suitable for everyone but is especially a solution for people with firmer skin that has sagged a bit. Sculptra is used to fill sunken temples, give volume to sunken cheeks, lift the tear channel and cheekbone, soften and reduce the nose-lip line and lift sagging jawline.
Sculptra is not suitable for filling fine lines on the surface. Then a hyaluronic acid filler can offer a solution.”
“The product itself has no risks, but the treatment itself does if it is not done properly. A Sculptra treatment is technically a more complicated treatment than injecting a hyaluronic acid filler or botox and therefore requires more experience. If it's injected incorrectly, you can get bumps in your face.”
“Sculptra costs €650 per bottle. A person over 50 quickly needs about 2 to 3 bottles, spread over 2 or 3 treatments.”
“That depends a bit on the number of vials used and the number of treatments. With 1 treatment and 1 bottle, you are, as it were, laying a soil that is re-stimulated by a second treatment. The effect after 2 to 3 treatments can last up to about 3 years. But this is also different for everyone. Not everyone needs multiple treatments or multiple vials.”
The interview was posted on BLOW — blog about healthy ageing
